NC West Virginia News

West Virginia University (WVU) and Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College have introduced a new initiative, WVU Degree Up, aimed at facilitating the transition of students from community and technical colleges to the WVU System. This program is notable for its automatic admission feature for eligible students, bypassing the need for a separate WVU application or admissions fees.

The partnership was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on November 13, which ensures that students enrolled at Southern are automatically admitted to the WVU System as long as they maintain good standing. Gordon Gee, President of WVU, emphasized that this initiative is about creating more accessible pathways for obtaining a four-year degree in West Virginia.

The program extends admission to several WVU campuses, including Morgantown, Institute of Technology, Potomac State College, and WVU Online. While general admission is streamlined, specific degree programs will still require meeting certain criteria. The institutions plan to develop program articulation agreements within the Degree Up framework.

WVU Degree Up will also establish a physical presence on Southern's campus to facilitate student interaction with WVU representatives. Students can begin enrolling in Fall 2025 but have the option to opt out if they choose.

Pamela L. Alderman, President of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, expressed pride in being the first partner in this venture. She highlighted the program's role in making higher education more accessible and supporting students' academic journeys.

The program includes personalized academic advising from WVU and assistance with credit transfers and class registration. Bill Alderman from Southern noted that this partnership aims to simplify transfer processes and improve course credit acceptance.

Retired Maj. Gen. James Hoyer underscored the importance of an educated workforce for economic growth and diversification in West Virginia.